b are views showing a torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein
a-2c are views showing a torque intensifying tool in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein
a-4b are views showing another embodiment of the inventive torque intensifying tool in two different modes of operation.
A torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors has drive means which are identified as a whole with reference numeral 1. The drive means 1 can have a drive housing 2 and a drive which is identified with reference numeral 3. The drive means 1 can be formed as a motor drive means, in which case it can include a motor. It is also possible that the drive means 1 is formed as manual drive means, for example as a torque wrench. The drive means 1 generate a torque which is to be transmitted for operation. In the embodiment shown in
The torque intensifying tool in accordance with the present invention further has at least one torque intensifier means which are identified as a whole with reference numeral 6. The torque intensifier means 6 have a torque intensifier housing 7 and gear means connected to the drive means 1. In the embodiment shown in
The torque intensifying tool in accordance with the present invention further has a driving element which is identified as a whole with reference numeral 12 and forms a first output means. The driving element 12 has a driving part 13 which can be formed for example as a square drive and a rear part 14 which is drivingly connected with the torque intensifier means, for example by interengaging splines. The connection of the drive means 1 with the torque intensifier means 6 and the driving element 12 provides transmission of torque from the drive means to the driving element. The torque intensifier means 6 can be configured to provide any desired intensification of a torque generated by the drive means 1.
The torque intensifying tool further has a reaction element which is identified with reference numeral 15 and forms a second output means. The reaction element 15 is provided with means 16 for connecting with an element reacting against a stationary object, for example a reaction arm, for example with splines. The reaction element 15 is non rotatably connected with the torque intensifier housing 7. In the embodiment shown in
The torque intensifying tool has two different modes of operation. In one mode of operation when the torque is transmitted from the drive means 1 through the torque intensifier means to the driving element 12 the driving element 12 provides a lower torque and a higher speed of turning. This is advantageous when it is necessary to turn one part of the threaded connector, for example a nut, on another part of the threaded connector, for example a bolt, with a high speed until the nut is seated on a washer or on the face of an application. In this mode of operation the torque is transmitted from the drive means, through the torque intensifier housing 7, the gears of the torque intensifier, the second output means or the reaction element 15, and the first output means or the driving element 12, so that the torque intensifier housing 7 together with the first output means and the second output means turn in the same direction and at the same torque and speed as the input means.
In another mode of operation the torque is transmitted from the drive means 1 through the torque intensifier means to the driving element 12 so that the torque intensifier housing 7 together with the second output means or the reaction element 15 receives a turning force in one direction, while the first output means or the driving element 12 receives an equal turning force in the opposite direction at a lower speed but higher torque then the input means.
For switching the tool between these two different modes, in the embodiment shown in
In accordance with the present invention in the torque intensifying tool the torque intensifier housing 7 and the drive housing 2 are functionally connected with one another. In particular, the torque intensifier housing 7 can turn relative to the drive housing 2. For this purpose, as shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention which is shown in
The driving socket is axially movable relative to the reaction socket. For one mode of operation the portion 23 of the driving socket engages in the portion 25 of the reaction socket so that the sockets become non-rotatably connected with one another as shown in
When as shown in
In this embodiment in one mode of operation the torque intensifier housing together with the driving socket and reaction socket turn in the same direction and at the same speed and torque as the input means, wherein in the other mode of operation the torque intensifier housing together the reaction socket receives a turning force in one direction while the driving socket receives the turning force in the opposite direction.
It is to be understood that in the other mode the first and second output means can both act as driving means or reaction means in opposite directions depending on application.
In the embodiment shown in
In one mode of operation the pins 36 non-rotatably connect the nut with the washer so that they turn together with the same speed and torque as the input means. After the nut is seated on the washer, and a torque increases, the pins 36 are disintegrated, for example sheared off, so that the nut is turned with a higher torque and a lower speed than the input means while the washer provides a reaction.
It is to be understood that the at least two modes as described herein are merely examples. Further modes can be added to said one or said other modes and/or said input means and/or output means.
While the torque intensifying tool described hereinabove is a two speed tool, the present invention is not limited to merely two speeds but can have multiple speeds, as shown for example in
When two usually opposite turning parts are temporarily connected with one another in the torque intensifier means or at an end thereof and the intermediate drive housing 50, which contains at least one intensifier unit such as for example a planetary gear stage, is connected with the torque intensifier housing so as not to rotate relative to it a), the turning of the torque intensifier housing together with the first and second output means is at a speed and torque of what is derived from the drive housing portion 2. When the torque required to turn the fastener exceeds that torque derived from the drive housing 2 and the intermediate drive housing 50 is non-rotatably connected with the drive housing 2 b), and rotatably connected with the torque intensifier housing, the turning of the torque intensifier housing 7 together with the first and second output means is at a lower speed but higher torque of what is derived from the drive housing 2. When the turning friction of the fastener is such that the tool switches from one mode to another, the torque applied to the fastener is one more times increased while the turning speed is further decreased. In
It should also be mentioned that the torque intensifier is not limited just to planetary gears. It can also be composed of any type of mechanisms that increase the torque output relative to the torque input.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a motor-driven torque intensifier, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/414,702 filed on Apr. 28, 2006.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11414702 | Apr 2006 | US |
Child | 11745014 | US |